COMPARING RUMI WITH RAMBAUD

I've come again
like a new year
to crash the gate
of this old prison.

I've come again
to break the teeth and claws
of this man-eating
monster we call life.

I've come again
to puncture the
glory of the cosmos
who mercilessly
destroys humans.

I am the falcon
hunting down the birds
of black omen
before their flights.

I gave my word
at the outset to
give my life
with no qualms
I pray to the Lord
to break my back
before I break my word.

How do you dare to
let someone like me
intoxicated with love
enter your house.

You must know better
if I enter
I'll break all this and
destroy all that.

If the sheriff arrives
I'll throw the wine
in his face.
If your gatekeeper
pulls my hand
I'll break his arm

If the heavens don't go round
to my heart's desire
I'll crush its wheels and
pull out its roots.

You have set up
a colorful table
calling it life and
asked me to your feast,
but punish me if
I enjoy myself

What tyranny is this?

-- Mevlana Jalaluddin Rumi
Translation by Nader Khalili
"Rumi, Fountain of Fire"
Cal-Earth Press, 1994

Compared with

The Drunken Boat